We want a strong leader who understands the complex threats that we face, and who will use our military wisely, not recklessly.

We want to make our own informed reproductive choices, and to have access to safe, affordable contraception.

We want tax breaks for hard-working, middle-class families, not for the wealthiest among us.

We want the education of our children to be a priority, including accessible and affordable college education.

We want a smart, qualified and experienced vice president.

We want an end to the divisive politics of the past.

John McCain has repeatedly failed American women. We need Barack Obama for president.

Laura Zwick, Kalamazoo

Election getting ugly on local level, too

When the political season began I was energized about the upcoming national election. After the last eight years, our domestic and foreign policy desperately needs to change.

I believe both the Democratic and Republican parties selected their best candidates.
Since U.S. Sen. Barack Obama seems, to me, to be much more focused on change and the future, I placed a sign in my yard to show my support.

The first sign disappeared within a few days. The second sign was vandalized, but I was able to patch it together and place it on a stronger wooden frame that was then buried deeper in the ground. The second sign was vandalized again and finally was completely destroyed. I checked with a neighbor who said she also lost an Obama sign from her yard, too.

This political campaign is not just getting ugly at the national level. How can people claim they are Americans, yet not understand the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which protects freedom of speech?

Jim Cowart, Kalamazoo

Palin is good example of women today

I guess I'm confused as to exactly what the "women's movement" means.

On one hand, you have a woman who is raising a large family, cooking food she actually hunted, who shops at Wal-Mart, does laundry, attends church, plays a mean game of basketball, and oh yes, is a very successful governor in a state she is actually from.

On the other hand, you have an ex-first lady who won a U.S. Senate seat riding her husband's coat tails, while turning a blind eye to his philandering.

I know it must be a difficult choice as to who you would like your daughters and granddaughters to emulate, but, oh heck, give it a try.

Mary Anne Berghuis, Portage

Women do not all believe alike

As a mother, I take offense to the Kalamazoo Gazette's Sept. 18 headline, "Moms believe VP candidate boosts Republican ticket."

These women don't represent me or my views and neither does Sarah Palin. I found the quotes from the women in the article thoughtless and stereotypical.

Most men don't support a candidate just because he is a working father, and many women don't support a candidate just because she is a working mother.

Some mothers are careful, thoughtful voters who take into consideration a number of factors about a candidate. Please don't lump us all together. Give consideration to the rest of the mothers who are out there this election season.

Beth Parks, Martin

Check records, don't just listen to rhetoric

For those who are planning on voting for John McCain and Sarah Palin, I urge you to look at the voting record of McCain in the United States Senate and the actions of Gov. Palin in Alaska.

It is obvious their platform of reform and concern for the average American is nothing but political hyperbole. Sen. McCain has consistently voted against increasing the minimum wage. He has voted for cutting benefits to veterans and reserves, voted against health care for 3.6 million American children, voted for the privatization of Social Security, has admitted he is "out of touch" with the concerns of the average American, and as recently as Sept. 15, stated the "American economy is fundamentally sound." He has voted with President Bush more than 90 percent of the time, yet he touts himself as a "maverick" and a "reformer."

If you honestly feel things are better, not only in your personal life, but in the country, than they were eight years ago, McCain is the man for you. He can talk reform, as can his running mate, but the hypocrisy of their words vs. actions aren't hard to check out.

Nobody dismisses the importance of individuals helping others or advocating certain changes. Wonderful things have been accomplished by committed individuals. I have helped, for many years, in outreach programs in our community -- and in some instances was even the "organizer." However, I could not, in my wildest imagination, list that on my resume, as a qualification to be elected president of the United States.
Politics is very tough and if you are thin-skinned it is a profession you should avoid.

What is important, in all elections, is who has the best qualifications. Readers should be charged with a sense of responsibility to become informed about each candidate's qualifications, positions and voting record.

Individuals will look at things differently, depending on their political persuasion, but each person should become informed and then make what, in his or her mind, is the best decision. Our country is going through some serious times and it is incumbent on every citizen to vote based on knowledge. As a citizen of this great country it is our responsibility.

Clare Rothi, Kalamazoo

The deadline for sending Letters to the Editor of the Kalamazoo Gazette for the Nov. 4 general election is Friday, Oct. 24. We must receive all letters by 5 p.m. that day. We will accept no more elections letters after that time. Any that are received after 5 p.m. on Oct. 24 will be directed to post their letters in the comment section of either Read & React or the online Opinion page.

There is a 150-word limit for letters endorsing candidates for office. There is a 500-word limit for viewpoints on ballot and millage issues. Letters and Viewpoints must include full name, address and telephone number for verification. Addresses and phone numbers will not be published. An individual may write only one letter about the election. All submissions are subject to editing.

We do recommend that you submit your election letter before Oct. 24 in order to have a better chance of having your letter printed in the paper. Space is limited, so many letters will end up online only.